JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Victims' families, the sheriff, the mayor and the state attorney gathered Monday morning outside City Hall for the start of National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
They want to bring attention to many local cases that remain unsolved, including the murders of Mary Petersen (2002), Brandon Blansit (2014) and Amber Bass (2013).
"It's just hard to live every day," said Petersen's mother, Francis Futrill. "They say, "Does it get easier?' No. We just survive. That's what we do until our death."
Adil McCoy, whose twin sister Kalil McCoy was murdered in 2011, spoke at the news conference Monday morning about the night he learned his sister had been killed.
Linda Rowan, whose son, John Rowan, disappeared in 2001, said State Attorney Angela Corey has reopened her son's case.
"He was just one in a million," Linda Rowan said.
Tamara Crady's mother, Lora Crady, was murdered in 1994, and she is still seeking justice.
"I want my children to know that it wasn't in vain, and we are going to do everything we can," Tamara Crady said.
Bass' friend, Susan Singer, said Bass' killer is still on the loose, and she's afraid he could kill someone else.
"In her honor, let's get this murder off the street," Singer said.
Angie McKenzie, whose father, Cecil Scroggie, was murdered in 2012, said she was a daddy's girl and is heartbroken over his killing.
"Hearts need to be changed," McKenzie said. "That's the only way that these murders are going to stop is for people's hearts to be changed.
The Justice Coalition and the Mayor's Victims Assistance Advisory Council will also honor the victims Monday with a ceremonial "tossing of the roses" into the St. Johns River.
Families and friends of those lost to violent crime will join the organizations in remembering their loved ones as they toss a rose into the waters in honor of those they have lost. The ceremony, which begins at 6 p.m. at The Jacksonville Landing, will be followed by a releasing of doves.
Anyone with information about these unsolved crimes is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.